Flunking Sainthood
Mormon women and priesthood: 5 depressing new survey findings
By Jana Riess — December 15, 2015
The results are in from a major new research study on changing views on Mormon women and priesthood, and it's not exactly great news for feminists.
Lessons from “Hell”: When Mormons disagree
By Jana Riess — December 11, 2015
Mormons can disagree and argue all the day long, but guest blogger Jenny Webb says there's a model for how to do it better -- without severing relationships.
Applications open for Book of Mormon seminar
By Jana Riess — December 7, 2015
One of the coolest things I did this year was an intensive two-week seminar on the Book of Mormon. Now they're taking applications for next summer, when the theme is Alma 12-13.
Do Mormon genealogy records include black people?
By Jana Riess — December 4, 2015
"I have heard that the Mormons kept meticulous records, yet I am an African American, so I don’t know if they would have records on my kin," a reader asks historian Henry Louis Gates.
Thank you, Ken Jennings, for speaking out against new Mormon policies on same-sex families
By Jana Riess — December 1, 2015
"Jesus is on the record about how he treats children, and that’s not usually it," said Jeopardy champion Ken Jennings, referring to the new LDS policy barring children of same-sex marriages from being baptized.
What’s wrong with Lewis Black’s anti-Mormon rant
By Jana Riess — November 19, 2015
Lewis Black recently skewered Mormonism based on a letter he received from an 18-year-old who resigned from the LDS Church. The letter is funny, but is it accurate?
A “mass exodus” of Mormons? Maybe. But here’s why I’m not among them.
By Jana Riess — November 13, 2015
The LDS Church is not perfect and never has been. The church is flawed individuals. It is us. There is no magical institution outside of ourselves, no foundation that we get the luxury of imagining we do not pour.
Mormon boy denied priesthood ordination because his mom is living with a woman
By Jana Riess — November 10, 2015
“When you’re raised in the church, you’re raised to sustain your leaders," says Alyssa Paquette, whose twelve-year-old stepson has just been denied priesthood ordination. “But I don’t know how we’re supposed to sustain something that tears our family apart.”
Mormon apostle stands by new policy barring children of same-sex marriages
By Jana Riess — November 7, 2015
In the face of widespread criticism, the LDS Church is defending its new policy that bans children of same-sex marriage from baptism.
Mormon policy excludes children of same-sex marriages. And I am livid.
By Jana Riess — November 6, 2015
I thought I belonged to a church that teaches that people will be punished for their own sins, and not for the sins of others. Apparently that theology does not apply to children of same-sex marriages.
The gift of Mormon doubt
By Jana Riess — November 5, 2015
All this Mormon emphasis on correct knowledge and possessing the fullness of the truth misses the point: Amassing knowledge is not our job. Having faith is. And faith absolutely requires uncertainty.
Mormons 50% more likely to accept homosexuality than in 2007, says new Pew study
By Jana Riess — November 3, 2015
Mormon support for homosexuality is low overall but growing faster than any other religion's, says a new Pew study out today. But other findings show Mormons very resistant to change.
Mormon feminists mark 40 years of women speaking up and speaking out
By Jana Riess — October 30, 2015
A new book by Joanna Brooks, Hannah Wheelwright and Rachel Hunt Steenblik looks at 40 years of Mormon feminism, showing that the questions being raised now about women in the LDS Church have a long history.
Mormon leaders announce help for refugees
By Jana Riess — October 29, 2015
This Sunday, Mormon wards around the world will hear a First Presidency letter on helping refugees. It's a brief statement, but a welcome and powerful one.
5 key takeaways from the new Mormon essays on women, priesthood, and Heavenly Mother
By Jana Riess — October 26, 2015
New LDS Church statements on women clarify that belief in Mother in Heaven is official doctrine, and acknowledge the historic role that Mormon women have had in healing by the laying on of hands.
